Keep Your Pet Safe from Theft and Poison
As we move through 2024, it’s deeply troubling to see that pet theft continues to plague our local communities. Sadly, the Dog and Cat meat trade in central Vietnam still thrives, leaving families devastated and confused over the loss of their beloved pets.
Despite our continuous efforts to raise awareness, we’re still receiving distressing reports of pets going missing and being stolen, even from our closest friends and supporters. To make matters worse, there’s been a recent spike in poison sightings across Da Nang and Hoi An, further putting our furry companions at risk. Pet owners must stay alert and take steps to protect their furry friends from these dangers. Here’s a guide to help you keep your pets safe from theft and poisoning.
Don’t take unnecessary risks
Do not let your pet roam freely. Allowing your pet outside unattended poses a serious and unnecessary risk. It’s not a matter of “if” but “when” they could be stolen or poisoned.
Thieves have been reported climbing walls, poisoning, and even using tasers to capture pets from yards or in front of their homes. Keep your furry friends indoors or under close supervision at all times.
Know the risks and be prepared
Familiarize yourself with what poisonous baits and substances look like to help you avoid them and act quickly if necessary. Be cautious when disposing of any suspicious baits to prevent accidental exposure. Cyanide, a highly toxic poison, is often used in dog baits and poses serious risks to both pets and humans.
If you suspect your pet has ingested poison, get them to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately. Save the contact details of a trusted local vet on your phone. This will ensure you can get help swiftly in an emergency.
We recommend carrying a bottle of hydrogen peroxide during walks; it can induce vomiting if your dog consumes poison, helping them expel the toxin quickly. You can obtain hydrogen peroxide from Paws International Clinic.
We recommend saving this image to your phone for quick reference in case of an emergency.
Stay vigilant during walks
Never let your dog off the leash, even for a moment – thieves have been known to taser and steal off-leash dogs standing right next to their owners. A brief lapse in supervision can lead to dangerous situations where your dog might ingest poison or be snatched by thieves. Always supervise your dog closely during walks and be cautious about where they sniff. Poisons can be hidden in various places, and quick ingestion can be fatal.
Using a muzzle is also highly recommended especially if your dog tends to scavenge. Opt for a soft, basket-style muzzle that allows your dog to pant but prevents them from picking up and ingesting poison or other hazardous material.
Spread the word to protect our furry friends
Please share this crucial information with fellow pet owners and animal lovers. The more we communicate and stay informed, the better we can protect our beloved pets from theft, poisoning, and other dangers.
Post updates about recent thefts, poisonings, and any suspicious behaviors or sightings of thieves in local Facebook groups and community platforms. If you come across any poison, please report it using this form: Report Poison. Your vigilance helps us keep our community and pets safe.
For any questions or further assistance, feel free to reach out to us. Let’s keep our furry friends safe and secure!
